Syrian Expedition: The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago

This bulletin provides an introduction to the Oriental Institute Syrian Expedition. Initiated in 1933, the Expedition focused on three sites: Chatal Hüyük, Tell Judeideh, and Tell Tainat (Tayinat). All three lie in the marshy plain surrounding the Lake of Antioch. This bulletin uses examples drawn from these sites to illustrate the process by which archaeologists study the ancient cities -- now preserved as ruin mounds or tells -- that dot the Near Eastern landscape.